Apply Political and Social Pressure

Given the jurisdictional complexity of the watershed, change on the order of magnitude required will not be easy. But there’s always a tipping point. Remember, your government representatives work for you, and an informed, engaged and vocal constituency is a powerful force.Residents should demand that elected officials work in watershed-friendly ways to do the following:

Recognize and acknowledge the importance of the watershed to our local water supply.

Expand the use of pervious surfaces throughout the watershed to enhance the capture, infiltration, and natural storage of water.

Limit development in historic floodplain areas.

Require that all new and re-development produce a net increase in park space.

Expand and improve access to watershed-friendly parks and open space.

Expand public transit options and refine the concept of a transit corridor.

Create walkable, bikeable communities.

Provide incentives for watershed-friendly residential landscapes.

Enact a strong plastic bag ordinance.

Significant social change comes from the bottom-up, from an aroused opinion that forces our ruling institutions to do the right thing. - Senator Paul Wellstone